Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Long-range passing
Coaches' Voice
Tony Hodson
Description
This is a session designed to improve players' long-range passing.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
15 mins
Topic
- Long-range passing
PRINCIPLE
- Get in line with the ball as it is travelling
TIME
- 4 x 2-minute blocks
PLAYERs
- 12 players
space/equipment
- 70 x 50 yards/Balls, flat markers, two goals
DESCRIPTION
Players work in pairs for this practice.
The practice starts with a horizontal pass played between the centre-backs. In the animation, this is shown with the pass from Player A to Player B.
- Player B then takes a touch and plays a long pass over the centre-backs at the opposite end of the central playing area (Players C and D) for the forward runner on the opposite side (Player E) to run on to, as shown in the animation.
Player E runs in on goal to try and score, while Player F makes a supporting run and tries to score any rebound.
- The same happens simultaneously at the other end of the pitch: Players C and D combine before playing a pass over the top for Players G and H to try and score a goal.
- Once both balls are out of play, players then rotate roles: Players A and B join the queue to be the attacking runners at their end of the pitch; Players G and H become the servers in place of Players A and B; and Players J and K become the attacking runners.
- Players rotate in the same way at the other end of the pitch.
Coaching Points
- Long pass: If two touches are needed, players should play the first touch away from their feet and on an angle to make it easier to play the long pass. They should take a quick glance at the intended target before and after striking the ball. Step towards the ball diagonally, leaning back slightly on contact. As players approach the ball, they should raise the opposite arm to their striking foot and position the other arm out wide for balance. After contact, the raised arm may come across the body, while the other one may move behind the body. Players should hit through the lower part of the ball to generate height on their pass.
- Threat in behind: Players should run across the defensive line until contact has been made on the pass to avoid being caught offside. They should also avoid running ahead of the ball. The run is diagonal and the aim is to run on to the pass.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
20 mins
Topic
- Long-range passing
PRINCIPLE
- Get in line with the ball as it is travelling
TIME
- 2 x 10-minute blocks
PLAYERs
- 14 players
space/equipment
- 80 x 50 yards/Balls, flat markers, 2 goals
DESCRIPTION
This is a small-sided game with a focus on creating chances with long-range passes.
Two teams of six (plus goalkeepers) are set up in a 2-1-3 formation, as shown in the diagram.
The practice starts with a goalkeeper, who passes to a centre-back, who is allowed to drop out of the middle zone to receive that pass. That centre-back then either passes the ball or carries it into the middle zone.
All players should be in the middle zone at this point, and normal match rules are played.
The aim is for players in deeper positions, with time and space on the ball, to play direct long passes in behind the opposition.
Only the player running on to the pass can enter the end zone. The line separating the middle and end zone acts as an offside line.
If a long ball is played successfully and a goal is scored three points are earned.
If a goal is scored as a result of a normal through ball (again with only one player allowed to enter the end zone), just one point is earned.
PROGRESSIONs
When a long pass is played in behind, all three attackers and both defenders are allowed to enter the end zone.
Coaching Points
- Long pass: Players should move the ball away from their feet and on an angle to make it easier to play the long pass. Take a quick glance at the intended target before and after striking the ball. Step towards the ball diagonally, leaning back slightly on contact. As players approach the ball, they should raise the opposite arm to their striking foot and position the other arm out wide for balance. After contact, the raised arm may come across their body, while the other one may move behind their body. Hit through the lower part of the ball to generate height on the pass.
- Threat in behind: Players should run across the defensive line until contact has been made on the pass to avoid being caught offside. They should also avoid running ahead of the ball. The run is diagonal and the aim is to run on to the pass.
- Other movement: Other attackers, such as the central forward in the diagram, should move to receive to feet in the hope of creating space in behind for the runner.
Play animation
Play step-by-step
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Full Screen
Pause
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10 mins
Topic
PRINCIPLE
TIME
PLAYERs
space/equipment
DESCRIPTION
Players start in groups in four marked-out areas, as shown in the animation.
The players in each box work together when receiving a long-range pass: one player controls the pass, another player sets the ball, and the third player sends a long-range pass to the next box in the sequence.
Each group is awarded a point for successfully controlling, setting and passing the ball from their area into another.
PROGRESSIONs
Change direction at random during the practice.
Penalise groups if the ball stops still in their area.
Players must control, set and pass in different ways – for example, control using their thigh, set using their left foot and pass off their right foot.
Coaching Points